YOG 2010: Gammond looking to repeat world juniors success

From Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Singapore

 ROWER Fiona Gammond has just one thing on her mind as she heads to the inaugural Youth Olympic Games this week and that's landing gold in Singapore.

ON FORM: Fiona Gammond heads to Singapore on top form, having won world junior gold in the Czech Republic

The 17-year-old, who will row in the Lion City alongside Georgia Howard-Merrill in the pairs, is currently in sparkling form after winning gold at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic in the eight.

But Gammond, who qualified for the event in a row-off at Dorney Lake in April, is planning on using her already impressive international experience when it matters most in Singapore.

"I'm just so excited to be going out to Singapore, it's an absolutely incredible feeling and I can't believe it's actually happening now," she said.

"I've just got back from the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic so we haven't practiced for about five weeks in pairs as we've been training in an eight for that.

"But my rowing partner and I have been together since we were 14 so hopefully the lack of training together shouldn't make a huge amount of difference.

"We won gold in the Czech Republic though, which was great, so we're in good form and in excellent shape too."

Conditions are predicted to be testing in Singapore but after experiencing less than friendly weather in the Czech Republic - Gammond feels she is equipped to deal with whatever she faces.

"We have been given plenty of advice and spoken a lot about the conditions there. Lots of stuff like putting your t-shirt in water before you go out and drinking lots," added Gammond.

"I've looked at the weather forecast and there should be a lot of rain, and we had a lot of rain in the Czech Republic too so I think we'll be prepared for that.

"I quite like the rain because there doesn't tend to be as much wind, and it's much better to be wet than windy.

"I'm pretty calm about getting out there and obviously I just want to start competing.

"I think Romania and Germany are going to be our toughest opponents out there - they are both excellent at rowing and have very strong teams.

"But we know we're in good shape and we're feeling pretty confident ourselves."

 Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012